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Transportation Security Officer - Supervisor

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Positions

Series and Grade:

SV-1802- Pay Band G

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervises employees performing pre-board security screening of persons, and/or their carry-on, and/or checked baggage/cargo. In addition, as assigned, supervises employees performing special program work. May serve as the sole supervisor in charge of an assigned airport, or other transportation terminal, or an assigned shift. May be assigned to any airport, or other transportation terminal, that provides commercial service to the public; may serve as a member of the National Screening Force. The Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO):

• Directs the work of subordinate employees. Sets priorities; assigns tasks; monitors and evaluates performance; coaches and develops employee capabilities; approves leave; recommends a variety of human resources actions such as promotions, reassignments, awards, etc; prepares performance evaluations; and, takes or recommends corrective disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal, as appropriate. Hears and resolves employees' grievances and refers those matters that cannot be resolved to superiors. Communicates and reinforces EEO policies and programs in all areas of responsibility, including selection, training, and promotion; fosters a work environment where all employees are treated equitably; and, ensures that TSA employment policies, procedures, and practices are effectively administered.
• Works with a full team of transportation security officers, work leaders, and law enforcement personnel at checkpoints, and with airport, or other transportation terminal, security staff and management.
• Opens and closes security areas:
• Opening procedures: Upon arrival, to conduct a clean sweep of the holding area by checking under chairs, in ashtrays, trashcans, behind ticket lift podiums; around/under drinking fountains; around/under pay telephones, etc, to ensure area is free of weapons or other devices;
• Closing procedures: Receive authorization from an airline representative to close checkpoint after departure of last evening flight; conduct a thorough search of holding area as outlined in opening procedures; secures all equipment; update closing log including name of airline representative authorizing closing.
• Oversees the screening checkpoint on a day-to-day basis to include equipment and personnel; rotates personnel and maintains/updates logs. Schedules an adequate number of screener personnel to provide for efficient and effective screening of all persons, baggage, and cargo. Provides morning briefings to screener personnel.
• Operates and calibrates equipment and immediately reports and resolves equipment malfunctions. Ensures appropriate use of equipment. Maintains required certifications and licensures for equipment repair and maintenance, as assigned.
• Provides guidance to staff on how to solve difficult technical issues. Coaches staff in customer service, technical approaches, and other duties related to passenger screening. Resolves all but unique technical problems without intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist.
• Projects a positive image and responds to inquiries from staff, airlines, airport/transportation terminal employees, and passengers and other individuals in a professional and courteous manner. Represents airlines, other transportation companies, airports, etc., when taking passenger complaints; provides passengers with appropriate incident reports for lost or damaged property or personal injury.
• Implements security screening procedures that are central to TSA objectives that will serve to protect the traveling public by preventing any deadly or dangerous objects from being transported onto the aircraft.
• Maintains communication with management regarding any issues that might reveal a weakness or vulnerable area of security screening that is discovered during the course of operations; immediately notifies law enforcement officers (LEOs) when criminal acts against civil aviation is suspected; analyzes behavior patterns and consults with employees on such subjects; collects witness information and safeguards evidence pending arrival of the LEO.
• Assists management and law enforcement officers with inquiries for information or investigations that may be initiated against a regulated party. Participates in information briefings concerning security sensitive or classified information.
• using physical restraint and without jeopardizing his/her safety or the safety of others.
• Participates in development of new policies and procedures, as required, and recommends changes in procedures and policy based on observation of work. Participates in the development of strategic planning initiatives; workforce and succession planning initiatives; and, other reports and documents for TSA-HQ and/or the supervisor, as assigned.
• Records all on-the-job training tests in appropriate training records; records all operational tests in test and concourse logs; prepares all logs and forms for daily use.
• Develops incident reports and information for LEOs and superiors and writes various types of communications, reports, and documents that are germane to the work performed.
• Utilizes computer hardware and software to analyze information; create documents; and report information in the appropriate format.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

KSA's and Core Competencies:

• Administration and Management: Knowledge of planning, coordination, and execution of business functions, resource allocation, human capital management (practical application of human capital procedures and policies, including, but not limited to, compensation management, performance and awards management, coaching, and mentoring), and production.
• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work; double-checks the accuracy of information to ensure high-quality and precise work products.
• Customer Service: Balances the interests of a variety of clients; readily readjusts priorities to respond to pressing and changing client demands; achieves quality end products; is committed to continuous improvement of services.
• Conflict Management: Identifies and takes steps to prevent potential situations that could result in unpleasant confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a positive and constructive manner to minimize negative impact.
• Decisiveness: Exercises good judgment by making sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; makes effective and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; is proactive.
• Flexibility: Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles. Adjusts rapidly to new situations warranting attention and resolution.
• Integrity/Honesty: Instills mutual trust and confidence; creates a culture that fosters high standards of ethics; behaves in a fair and ethical manner toward others, and demonstrates sense of corporate responsibility and commitment to public service.
• Interpersonal Skills: Considers and responds appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations; is tactful, compassionate and sensitive, and treats others with respect.
• Multi-Tasking: Ability to understand, decipher, analyze, and make decisions utilizing multiple and simultaneous sources of informational input.
• Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; listens effectively and, as needed, clarifies information; professionally conveys instructions and information to others; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters atmosphere of open communication.
• Written Communication: Expresses facts and ideas in writing in a clear and concise manner.
• Team Building: Inspires, motivates, and guides others toward goal accomplishments. Consistently develops and sustains cooperative working relationships. Encourages and facilitates cooperation within the organization and with customer groups; fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, trust. Develops leadership in others through coaching, mentoring, rewarding, and guiding employees.
• Security Equipment Knowledge: Knowledge in operation of security equipment (e.g., passenger X-ray technology, baggage X-ray technology, Explosive Trace Detection, passenger screening wands, magnetometer/walk through metal detector, two-way radios).
• Security Screening Policies and Procedures: Knowledge of permitted and prohibited items, knowledge of current Standardized Operating Procedures (SOPs) including security breach, knowledge of current performance protocols (e.g., hand wanding techniques and special search methods), knowledge of information on travel documents.
• Technology Application: Uses machines, tools and equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to prepare documents and communicate information in the appropriate format.

Visit the TSA Competency Table for more information on competency development.

Conditions of Employment:

• Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative drug test result. Any individual tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Meet and maintain medical requirements for screening work (including a medical examination and physical abilities assessment) including, but not limited to, the following (Note: Detailed information appears in the vacancy announcement for this position.):
• Efficiently and thoroughly manipulate and lift baggage, containers, and other objects subject to security processing;
• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry items weighing up to 70 pounds;
• Maintain physical agility that would allow them to squat, bend, and learn to inspect individuals and baggage/cargo;
• Maintain ability to walk up to two (2) miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods of time;
• Maintain a measured threshold for sight:
• Distance vision correctable to 20/30 or better in the best eye and 20/100 or better in the worse eye
• Near vision correctable to 20/40 or better binocular
• Maintain a measured threshold for hearing:
• Average hearing loss of 25 decibels (ANSI) at 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz in each ear
• Single reading of 45 decibels at 4000 and 6000 Hz in each ear
• Distinguish between different colors that will be a part of images displayed on automated screens:
• Color perception (e.g., red, green, blue, yellow, orange, purple, brown, black, white, gray). Note: Color filters for enhancing color discrimination are prohibited.
• Maintain eligibility for a security clearance.
• Maintains proficiency in all facets of assigned work sufficient to ensure recertification;
• Must be available to work various shifts and overtime, as needed;
• Must be proficient in English (e.g., reading, writing, speaking, listening); and,
• Must possess United States' Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
• Note: Exposure to potentially lethal devices and dangerous chemicals is inherent in this position.
• Note: This position is not covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay or Law Enforcement Retirement.

Duty Location:

Nationwide